New MacBook Pros

Every 4 to 5 years Apple redesigns its laptop models. The last MacBook Pro redesign was in 2016 and its replacements were announced this week! The last MacBook Air redesign was in 2018, so it won’t see one for another couple of years. The small 21.5” iMac was replaced earlier this year with a new 24” model. The 27” iMac is due for a redesign next year.

Monday was Apple’s second big announcement event in a month. They announced the redesign of MacBook Pros as well as new AirPods, a new HomePod mini, and a voice-only Apple Music subscription plan. I will focus this blog on the new MacBook Pros.

The last generation of MacBook Pros (2016-2020) was, frankly, a disappointment. Apple removed the previously used MagSafe magnetic chargers, SD camera card slots, HDMI ports, and more. All we had from 2016-2020 were either 2 or 4 USB-C ports that were only made useful with a hand full of dongles (small adapters). No MagSafe charging and no other ports. On top of that, Apple experimented with a “Touch Bar” that replaced the top row of keys on the keyboard with a touch-sensitive bar that would change based on the app you were using. It sounded like a good concept, but in practice, it was clunky to use.

So, we now have two new models of MacBook Pros - 14” and 16” and they are fantastic! They bring back many ports that were taken away in 2016, including MagSafe magnetic chargers, SD camera card slots, and HDMI ports. Additionally, they have 3 USB-C/Thunderbolt ports like in the previous generation. These new models are about the same size and weight as the models they replace (the 13”, 15” and 16” MacBook Pros). The screens are much improved, boasting larger, brighter, and higher resolutions than before.

The new models also have improved microphones, speakers, and cameras for enhancing our new “Zoom” world. The keyboard is back to a traditional keyboard, losing the Touch Bar, but still including a TouchID fingerprint sensor to greatly reduce the frequency of typing passwords.

That all sounds really great, however, the most important changes in these new models are the processors. Last year Apple began developing their own chips for Macs based on their years of experience making chips for iPhones and iPads. They call these new Mac chips “M1, System on a Chip” since they integrate the central processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and graphics processor (GPU) onto a single chip. These new Apple chips are not only significantly faster than the Intel chips they replace, but they consume way less power, yielding significantly longer battery life.

Since 2005 Apple has used chips from Intel in their Macs. Moving all Mac models from Intel chips to Apple-designed chips is a two-year process. Apple’s first Macs with the new M1 chips were introduced last year in the Mac mini, MacBook Air, and entry-level MacBook Pro (previous generation). These are fantastic machines - fast, efficient, and at bargain prices. This week’s announcement adds to the transition with the Pro models aimed at professional users: people that edit video, create video games, create and mix music, and other processes that demand high-performance machines. Apple’s chips for these new 14” and 16” MacBook Pros are named “M1 Pro” and “M1 Max” and they are even faster than the M1 chip introduced last year.

As you might imagine, Apple is pretty proud of these new high-performance models and they reflect that pride in their pricing. Here are the starting points:

14” MacBook Pro - $1,999, with 512GB Storage and 16GB Memory

16” MacBook Pro - $2,499, also with 512GB Storage and 16GB Memory

These starting points are with the M1 Pro chipset. From there, you can specify higher levels of storage, memory and, performance - up to and including the M1 Max chipset.

I don’t buy a new Mac very often, about every 4 years. I upgrade my own machine so I can keep up with the new model’s features to be helpful to my clients who upgrade. That said, I never really loved my 2019 16” MacBook Pro, primarily because of the lack of useful ports and the Touch Bar. I decided to upgrade early and chose the base 14” MacBook Pro with the standard M1 Pro chipset.

If you have been waiting to replace your MacBook Pro, your time has come! Remember that most Macs prior to 2015 cannot update to the new operating system (Monterey) coming out next week, which means that within 2 years they will no longer receive security updates from Apple. Check your Mac’s age using the Apple menu (in the upper left corner of your screen) > About this Mac.

If you are considering a new Mac laptop but don’t feel you need the horsepower (and price) of these new machines, the current MacBook Air and 13” MacBook Pro with M1 are far more powerful than your old Mac at prices that are probably lower than you paid years ago!

Of course, I am available for advising your purchase and would love to help you set up your new Mac!